Most new parents are concerned with any bump, bruise or scratch on their child, and there are a number of skin rashes or bumps that appear on newborns and children. Many babies are born with milia, which is not life-threatening and usually will go away within a few weeks.
Milia
Tiny white bumps appearing on a baby's cheek, chin or nose might be milia. These bumps are typically 1 to 2 mm wide and filled with keratin, a protein produced to strengthen the skin. Milia is a non-cancerous skin condition that can appear in people of all ages but the bumps are common in newborns. According to MayoClinic.com, more than half of babies develop milia.
Cause
Milia is caused when tiny skin flakes are trapped in small pockets near the skin's surface. This causes a blockage on the skin that fills with keratin to form a hard cyst. The condition is common in newborns because the sebaceous gland, also known as the oil gland, might not be fully developed.
Signs
Signs of milia include white bumps that typically appear on a baby's cheek, chin or nose, though they also can appear on the upper trunk and limbs. Milia might look similar to baby acne, which is characterized by small red bumps on the same areas. Your doctor can determine if they are milia or acne.
Treatment
Milia normally disappears on its own within a few weeks, so no medical treatment is recommended. You should keep your child's face clean by washing it with warm water and patting the skin dry. Avoid pinching or scrubbing the tiny bumps and don't use lotions, medicated creams or oils on your baby's skin.
Considerations
There is little you can do to prevent milia. If you are concerned about milia on your child, or the bumps do not clear up within three months, contact your doctor.
